Cigar puncture tool with cylindrical body and inner spike

ABSTRACT

A generally cylindrical shaped cigar puncture tool incorporating a spring loaded and locating/guiding disk element arranged in conjunction with a linearly extending and base supported spike. Centered puncturing of the closed head occurs in a first downward translating direction of the cigar within the open interior of the tool. A return spring bias causing even disengaging of the cigar in a second reverse direction. The sizing of an aperture in the disk further allows passage therethrough of the spike, while preventing debris from the cigar head cluttering the puncture zone within the tool.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cigar related tool for assisting in the puncturing of a closed head of the cigar head. More particularly, the present invention discloses a generally cylindrical shaped cigar puncture tool incorporating a spring loaded and locating/guiding disk element arranged in conjunction with a linearly extending and base supported spike. Centered puncturing of the closed head occurs in a first downward translating direction of the cigar within the open interior of the tool, a return spring bias causing even disengaging of the cigar in a second reverse direction, with the sizing of an aperture in the disk further allowing passage therethrough of the spike, while preventing debris from the cigar head cluttering the puncture zone within the tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with various examples of cigar end perforation or puncture tools, such being required in the enjoyment of hand-made cigars. A first example of this is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,808, to Albarello, and which illustrates an apparatus for cutting a plug from an end of a cigar having a housing with a hollow body portion with opposite first and second ends. The first end of the hollow body portion has a cutting edge for cutting a portion of a cigar wrapper.

A spring biased plunger is movable within the hollow body portion first end along a longitudinal axis thereof toward and away from the cutting edge. An elongated piercing member is attached to, and movable with, the plunger. A handle is accessible from the exterior of the housing for moving the plunger within the hollow body portion first end. The cutting edge is adaptable to cut a portion of a cigar wrapper at the end of a cigar to create a plug of the cut portion of the cigar, which remains in part within the hollow body portion first end, the handle being operable to move the plunger toward the cutting edge to eject the plug from the housing.

Another implement for perforating and clipping cigars is set forth in Peavey, U.S. Pat. No. 282,764, and which teaches a spike portion slidably translatable out of a tube pre-positioned relative to a cigar head. A similar puncture tool is shown in Holmes U.S. Pat. No. 933,250. In the further instance of Cragg U.S. Pat. No. 925,158 two tubular telescopic members are provided, with the outer member being provided with a cutting edge formed on the edge of an opening intermediate the ends of the member, the inner member being provided with a cigar tip supporting device.

Adams, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,318, teaches a powered cigar piercing device which includes an outer housing and a moveable top receiving and indexing station for positioning the tip of the cigar. The indexing station is adapted to automatically activate a rotating piercing tool in response to the downward movement of the indexing station by downward pressure being placed against the station by the tip of the cigar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A generally cylindrical shaped cigar puncture tool incorporating a spring loaded and locating/guiding disk element arranged in conjunction with a linearly extending and base supported spike. Centered puncturing of the closed head occurs in a first downward translating direction of the cigar within the open interior of the tool. A return spring bias causing even disengaging of the cigar in a second reverse direction. The sizing of an aperture in the disk further allows passage therethrough of the spike, while preventing debris from the cigar head cluttering the puncture zone within the tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like references refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the cigar puncture tool and further exhibiting, in interior phantom representation, the features of the spring loaded and locating/guiding disk element arranged in conjunction with the linearly extending and base supported spike;

FIG. 2 is a succeeding environmental illustration of the tool in FIG. 1, with its screw cap removed and a cigar arrayed in a pre-puncture position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the tool in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates the tool in plan cutaway, and with the cigar of FIG. 2 in an initial contact position relative to the locating/guiding disk element; and

FIG. 3B is a further succeeding illustration similar to FIG. 3A and showing the spike in a puncturing position with respect to the head of the cigar, and prior to the return bias spring forces applied against the underside of the disk causing elevating of the cigar out of contact with the spike.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to each of FIGS. 1-3, 3A and 3B, a series of perspective (FIG. 1), screw cap removed perspective (FIG. 2), exploded perspective (FIG. 3) and cutaway illustrations including both pre (FIG. 3A) and post (FIG. 3B) displacement are each generally shown of a cigar puncture tool (see as generally referenced at 10 in each of FIGS. 1-3) according to the present invention. A three-dimensional, elongate and interiorly hollowed body is referenced at 12 and includes a first outer end 14 and a second inner end 16.

The body is preferably cylindrical shaped which, as best shown in FIG. 3, facilitates attachment of either or both of a screw cap 18 and a screw base 20 are provided for selectively and threadably engaging the body 12. As further illustrated, opposing threads can be configured both at 22 and 24 to the outer 14 and inner 16 ends of the body, as well as at 26 and 28 to the screw cap 18 and screw base 20. The body 12, as well as other selected components, can further be constructed of a desired material including a metal (such as stainless steel), durable polymer, as well as wood, a ceramic/stone material, glass/quartz, or the like. It is also understood that the provision of a lid, threaded or non-threaded, or removed entirely, is within the scope of the invention.

Additionally, the base 20 is understood to incorporate, in at least one variant, a cylindrical shaped plug of such as cork material, at 29 in FIG. 3 and from which upwardly projects the one or more puncturing elements as will be described. It is also understood that any suitable material can be incorporated into the interior base of the body 12. Additionally, the body can be of a unitary construction which includes an integrally defined and non-removable base.

It is also envisioned that, apart from a rounded configuration, the body can also exhibit an otherwise polygonal shape, defined as including any number of interconnecting and cross sectional extending sides ranging from three to short of infinity and producing thereby such as a rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or like shape and such as for purposes of achieving a desired ornamentation. In such a configuration, it is further envisioned that the screw cap and/or screw base can be substituted by press-fit components of similar shape, and without any sacrifice as to functionality.

At least one puncturing element, such as a spike 30, is secured to the inner end 16 of the cylindrical shaped body 12 and extending in a direction towards a selectively accessible outer end 14 (and upon removal of the screw cap 18). In the embodiment illustrated, the spike 30 is mounted to an inside surface location of the screw base 20 and, as will be further described, this enables alternately configured spike portions, or multiple puncture elements of desired configuration (see also at 30′ and 30″ in phantom in FIG. 3) to be substituted as desired and in order to create a desired puncture profile into an inserting foot end 32 of a cigar (see again FIG. 3B).

A disk is shown and which exhibits a generally bowl-shaped 34 configuration. It is also envisioned that the disk 34 can be planar shaped in other variants or exhibit some other form of support surface extending across an interior crosswise area associated with the body interior. In a preferred application, an outer diameter of the bowl shaped rim associated with the disc 34 is sized a slight distance less than an associated inner diameter of the body 12.

The disk 34 further exhibits an interior aperture 36 and which is supported within the body 12. An underside extending and guiding collar 38 is integrally formed with the disk 34 and which is likewise interiorly apertured in communication with and extension of the aperture 36. The disk 34 and associated collar 38 can be constructed of either a metallic, nylon or other suitable material. Aside from the disk 34 illustrated, it is also envisioned that a wafer shape or other configured element, such as which may exhibit a screened or other multiple apertured profile and which extends the interior crosswise area defined between the inner walls of the body, can be substituted.

In each variant of the invention, the disk 34 is capable of being linearly displaced between the outer 14 and inner 16 ends of the body 12, and into seating contact with the spike 30 or other suitable puncture element. While certain variants contemplate the absence of a type of spring or bias inducing element, one desired embodiment discloses the provision of a coil spring 40 which is seated within the hollow interior of the body 12 and including an upper-most coil 42 encircling the underside collar 38 and seating against an underside of the disk 34, as well as lower-most coil 44 seating upon the screw base 20. The guide collar 38 is further lengthwise dimensioned so that it extends a distance beyond the puncturing tip of the spike 30, when the spring 40 is in a relaxed and non-compressed condition, the purpose for which including preventing the possibility of the spike 30 not properly seating with the aperture 36 during the compressing stroke.

A concentric sleeve 46 is located at the inner end 20 of the body 12 in encircling fashion around the spike 30 (or other suitable multiple puncture elements). The sleeve 46 can also be incorporated into a three-dimensional spacer defining base 48 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) and which can be incorporated on either a fixed or loosely supported fashion with the screw base 20, and thereby defining a seating location for the spring 40, upon being compressed during linear displacement of the disk 34 and cigar 32 (see in particular FIG. 3B). The spacer base 48 can also exhibit, or be substituted in favor, of a volume of a cork-like material (see as previously described at 29 in reference to FIG. 3).

Referring again FIG. 3A, the head 32 of the cigar inserts within the open outer end 14 of the body (such as upon removal of the screw cap 18) and seats against the upper surface of the bowl shaped disk 34. Linear displacement of the cigar 32 and disk 34 in a direction toward the inner end 16 causes the spike 30 to translate through underside collar 38 and communicating disk aperture 36, in order to puncture the cigar 32. A return bias, caused by the spring 40 being compressed to the condition shown in FIG. 3B, is exerted upon the disk 34, causing reverse displacement and disengagement of the cigar 32 from the spike 30 and without either the unseating of the guiding collar 38 from the tip of the spike 30 or the intended removal of an end of the cigar, such as which is associated with conventional cutting, clipping or other plugging devices.

The provision of the disk 34 and associated sizing of the spike passage enabling aperture 36, is further such that debris associated with the punctured end 32 of the cigar is prevented from being deposited into the bottom of the body. In any event, the provision of a separately attachable screw base 20 allows any (such as smaller sized) collected debris to be easily removed. A decorative exterior covering, see at 50 in FIG. 3 and such as replicating a cigar band, can be applied to the body as desired.

Having described our invention, other additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains. In particular, the generally annular disk shaped and linearly displaceable member can be substituted by other cigar head seating and supporting components, these including such as other and alternatively shaped wafers or other elements, and which can include suitable apertures for permitting passage therethrough of the bottom located and fixed spike. The device can also be configured or sized such as to be conveniently carried in the user's pocket or secured to a key chain, and provided that the body interior diameter at least substantially equals an exterior ring gauge (this defined as the associated exterior diameter of the cigar) and in order to permit the cigar to be interiorly displaced in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongate interior of the body.

It is also envisioned that the single spike element shown can be substituted by a plurality of appropriately configured spikes, prongs or other suitable puncturing elements (such as shown at 30, 30′ and 30″ in FIG. 3 which is also understood as capable of being interchangeably substituted through the provision of one or more separate screw bases 20, with the puncture elements either fixed or loosely supported thereto). Further possible variants can include either the removal of the spring coil bias, or the substitution of the coil spring with another type of biasing clip, leaf spring or the like, such also including provision of a pre-loaded spring force which is triggered upon a sufficient downward displacement of the cigar head over the spike(s), and at which point reverse unseating of the cigar head occurs, such as in a likewise non-debris creating manner. 

1. A cigar puncture tool, comprising: a three-dimensional, elongate and interiorly hollowed body; a spike secured to an inner end of said body and extending in a direction towards an accessible outer end; and a disk exhibiting an interior aperture and secured within said body in a biased and linearly displaceable fashion; a head of a cigar inserting within said outer end and seating against said disk, linear displacement of the cigar and disk in a direction toward said inner end causing said spike to pass through said aperture to puncture the cigar, a return bias exerted upon said disk causing reverse displacement and disengagement of the cigar from said spike.
 2. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 1, further comprising a coil spring inserted within said body and supporting an underside of said disk.
 3. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 2, said disk exhibiting an upper bowl shape and further comprising an underside extending collar in communication with said aperture, an upper end of said coil spring supporting an underside of said disk and around said underside collar.
 4. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 3, said body exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a concentric sleeve located at said inner end in encircling fashion around said spike, said sleeve defining a seating location for said spring upon being compressed during linear displacement of said disk and cigar.
 5. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 1, said body exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a substantially cylindrical shape.
 6. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 5, said body further comprising a plurality of external threads associated with said outer end, a screw cap exhibiting an additional plurality of internal threads and being rotatably engaged with said outer end.
 7. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 5, said body further comprising a plurality of external threads associated with said inner end, a screw base exhibiting an additional plurality of internal threads for being rotatably engaged with said inner end and to which is mounted said concentric sleeve and said spike.
 8. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 5, further comprising a decorative indicia applied to an exterior surface of said body.
 9. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 1, said body exhibiting a specified and shape and being constructed of any material exhibiting the required properties of strength and durability.
 10. A cigar puncture tool, comprising: a three-dimensional, elongate and interiorly hollowed body having a generally cylindrical configuration; a cap threadably engaged with and selectively removable from an open end of said body; at least one spike fixedly secured within said body and extending in a direction towards said outer end; and a displaceable support surface located within said body and accessible upon removing said cap; a head of a cigar inserting within said outer end and seating against said support surface, linear displacement of the cigar toward said inner end causing said spike to pass through a location associated with said support surface and in order to puncture the cigar, a bias force causing reverse displacement and disengagement of the cigar from said spike.
 11. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 1, further comprising a coil spring inserted within said body and supporting an underside of said support surface.
 12. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 11, said support surface further comprising a disk exhibiting a generally bowl shape and including an underside extending collar in communication with said aperture, an upper end of said coil spring supporting an underside of said disk and around said underside collar.
 13. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 12, said body exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a concentric sleeve located at said inner end in encircling fashion around said spike, said sleeve defining a seating location for said spring upon being compressed during linear displacement of said support surface and cigar.
 14. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 10, further comprising a screw base rotatably engaged with an end of said body opposite said cap, and to which is mounted said spike.
 15. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 10, further comprising a decorative indicia applied to an exterior surface of said body.
 16. The cigar puncture tool as described in claim 10, said body exhibiting a specified and shape and being constructed of any material exhibiting the required properties of strength and durability.
 17. A cigar puncture tool, comprising: an elongated body having an open end and a closed end separated by a linear distance; at least one puncturing element mounted within said closed end and extending parallel to said linear direction toward said open end; and a support element extending a cross sectional interior area associated with an interior of said body and being selectively displaceable in a direction toward said puncturing element by a cigar inserted within said open end and applied against a surface of said support element, said support element permitting said puncturing element to pass therethrough and into said cigar.
 18. The tool as described in claim 17, further comprising a biasing coil spring seated within said body and supporting an underside of said support element.
 19. The tool as described in claim 18, said body exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a concentric sleeve located at said inner end in encircling fashion around said puncturing element, said sleeve defining a seating location for said spring upon being compressed during linear displacement of the support element.
 20. The tool as described in claim 18, further comprising at least one of a screw cap and a screw base individually and releasably secured to said body, said puncturing element and concentric sleeve being secured to an interior defining surface of said screw base. 